Hearts' Remedy
Chapter 14
"You spend too much time with Luna. You're always dragging me here," Darien said dully, as he sat on the desk in Gor's cabin. "What is so baiting with this feline friend of yours."
The white cat that sat on top of the desk blushed at the prince. Darien smiled at him, waiting patiently for an answer.
"I don't drag you here at all. You always want to be away from the castle in the first place. You always come here to visit Serena. Don't try hiding anything, Darien. It is so obvious that you are interested in the girl," Artemis spoke, holding his chest up high.
"She makes me forget about everything," Darien agreed.
"Like today's fight you had with your father," Artemis said shortly.
Darien's face dropped at the reminder of the small quarrel he shared with his father, in front of the counsel.
...Flashback...
"Where have you been? You missed the princess of Dorlan's visit to our home. You ruined an alliance that might have been possible between our country and theirs," said one of the enraged counsel members. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I say it makes little difference whether or not I'm there," Darien answered leisurely. "I'm sure you men handled the situation perfectly well."
"You said you would be there," said another member of the counsel.
"I said, I 'might' be there," Darien corrected in an agitated drawl.
"This is your duty!" The counsel member with a bloated red face glowered at the young prince.
"Silence!" The king who had been sitting quietly finally spoke up. "Enough bickering like children."
The prince and the counsel apologized to the king.
The king directed his next words to his son. "Where were you when the princess came?"
"I was at a village."
"Which one?" The king asked, leaning forward a bit on his chair.
"Can I not once, decide for myself where I want to go?" Darien questioned his father.
"Not when you have something of the highest priority to consider, My Son."
"I take my job as prince very seriously or else I wouldn't be seeing my people so often."
"You seem to be forgetting that you are jeopardizing your future by your hasty wanderings. It's time you stopped dreaming of adventurous things and start worrying about your role in this kingdom in the near future."
"I know my place!" Darien argued.
"Yes, you do. But, you are disregarding the fact that you are my only son and legitimate heir to the throne of Terra. I do not think it is safe for you. What if you get hurt or worse...?"
"I promise you that that will never happen. I can never leave my people, especially after I have seen most of them experiencing lives in poverty. Only when I have seen my people am I satisfied with my role today and my role in the future. If I cannot find love in marriage, I can at least deserve the love of my people for being there in person. You cannot stop me from visiting the villages, Your Majesty. You do not see how poor they live."
"Are you saying that I do not care for my people?" The king questioned in a low, irate voice.
"I'm saying that you will never know what life truly means until you see them with your own eyes. Father, if I am to be caged here, after I am married, for the rest of my life, I think you can give me just this right to continue visiting."
"You went to fix Artemis and you end up being so attached to this strange habit. What is provoking you, Darien?"
"Everything! You and mother!" Darien's voice rang through the hall. Everyone went silent because no one expected such a poignant reply from the prince. He usually never brought up his feelings about his parents, not even if he was set alone with his family.
...End Flashback...
Darien's eyes glazed over. Artemis could see the whole scene replaying in the young prince's mind through the blank midnight blue eyes. Artemis' look softened as he spoke, "You can tell your parents about her. I think they will understand."
Darien closed his eyes briefly just as he spoke, "I don't know."
"You're a prince who has never had any interest in a girl before, never mind fall in love with one! And here you are spending all this time with Serena. I think their Majesties will approve of such a marriage for their bachelor son."
"Marriage?! Who said anything about marriage?!"
"Maybe I'm going too fast for you, Highness," said Artemis, shaking his head.
Darien scowled at Artemis before returning to his thoughts. It was strange that he, Darien, had met many beautiful women that wanted him. He on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with them. His loving parents wanted to be fair to their son, allowing for him to choose among hoards of young women that they picked out, arranging meetings with princesses and ladies. Yet, not one did the prince take interest in, something that irritated the King and Queen much. Worried, they started forcing him to like some of the worst. Darien felt just as hopeless as his parents, but now things were changing. Here, he meets this girl, who dresses like a man, eats like a slob, has no manners, and fights! She becomes the only girl on his mind.
"I don't think you can find a girl like her in any other part of this kingdom," Artemis declared, matter-of-factly.
Darien laughed and agreed fully with the cat.
Suddenly Serena emerged with two boxes in her arms. Setting the load down in front of Darien she asked him who he was talking to.
"I wasn't talking," Darien shouted in surprise.
Serena's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I'm most definite that I heard another voice other than yours, Your Highness."
Then, her gleaming eyes shifted towards Artemis, who was sweating furiously under her intense gaze.
Darien assured her, "I was talking to myself!"
Serena paused, glancing back and forth at the two before she shrugged. "Luna's outside, Artemis. Go play."
Artemis leaped off the desk and dashed away. Serena's eyes followed him. Thoughtfully she said, "He's almost human. It's like he understands me..."
"What do you got in those?" Darien asked in an extra loud voice, pointing at the boxes in front of him, changing the subject quite expertly.
"Oh, just a few presents I made myself." Serena beamed. "I know your birthday passed and went by a few days ago, but I wanted to get you something. You weren't here then, so I want to give it to you now."
"How thoughtful," he said softly, watching her open the first box.
She took out a cylindrical container and handed it to him. "Open it!"
He twisted the cap open and out sprung paper snakes. He jumped, knocking over his chair, while Serena fell over on the floor laughing hysterically.
"That isn't funny," he shouted crossly, turning away from her in anger.
"All in good fun," she said. He didn't say anything. "You're not mad, are you?" Serena asked in a childish quavering voice.
Darien had never received such a present. It scared him and he was mad. But her voice melted the anger from his heart.
"I'm really not in the mood for jokes, Serena. I had a rough day," he said with his back still turned.
"What happened?" Serena asked in concern, as she got up from the floor.
"I did not leave my father on the best of terms."
"Oh... Then, my joke should cheer you up!" Serena cheered as she jumped in front of his vision and took his hands. She spun him around and laughed.
"What's up with you, Serena? You're a little crazy today," Darien said with a smile.
"Crazy? I'm not the one talking to myself!" Serena said, beating her chest with a fist.
"But, you seem a little..."
"A little what?"
Darien placed a hand on her forehead, "You're not sick, no."
"I'm fine. I'm just really excited with all the preparations going on."
"Preparations?"
"Papa's birthday is only two and a half months away. I've been preparing for it and Mama said I can be in charge of everything," she whispered in a secretive tone.
"You, in charge? I better get the helmets ready," Seiya said walking into the room.
"Hey, Seiya! Even you can't ruin my day." Serena smiled turning around.
Darien became uneasy when he saw the man walk in with a wide smirk. He became even more uncomfortable as Serena took Seiya's hand and dragged him around the room, collecting things for him.
"And guess what?" Serena said in a hushed voice, loud enough for the two other people to hear. "Keep this hushed up okay? Shingo will propose to Mika tonight."
"Really?" Seiya cried out in surprise.
"Shhh! It's a secret," She hissed.
"My lips are sealed," Seiya whispered back, making a gesture over his lips.
"Okay, then. Bye bye, now. Remember, if you tell, I'll never talk to you again," Serena warned with a wink.
Seiya waved his hand as he left. Serena turned back to Darien swiftly. "Now, for your present."
"But I thought that joke back there was the present," Darien said, shocked.
"That was the first part," She said, reaching for something else in the first box. "Take out your hand."
Darien did so hesitantly. Anyone would be careful when it came to Serena and her jokes.
She placed a small golden pouch in his hand. He looked at her inquisitively before pulling the golden cord from around the mouth of the pouch. Handkerchiefs were revealed, but they weren't just ordinary. Each one was neatly embroidered by hand with detail, beauty, and care. They all had his name on it, stitched with silver and gold thread. He touched the patterns around his name on each handkerchief and grinned.
"I have never received such a gift before," he stated quietly.
"You shouldn't have because I made them." Serena nodded.
"An even greater reason for me to cherish this gift. Thank you, Serena."
"You're welcome. I also want to show you something else, but you must promise not to tell Papa. It's supposed to be a surprise, but I want to share it with someone else first."
Darien nodded.
Serena pursed her lips and opened the second box with extra care. She pulled out a velvet lavender dress.
"I made it. It took months, but I finally finished. What do you think?"
Darien touched the material. "I never thought you could do something like this."
"I'm a woman. I have to know."
"It's beautiful, Serena."
"Thank you," she said, putting the dress away suddenly. "But what do you think Papa will think? Will he like it?"
"Of course he will. Anything made with love is the best gift to a person."
Serena grinned, bringing her head up to look at him. Suddenly her eyes shot open at remembering something. Serena dropped her head and groaned, realizing that she had forgotten something that she had promised someone earlier. She started walking out, shoulders slumped.
"Hey, where are you going?" Darien questioned, following her out.
"I promised to retrieve a toy Sammy lost near the pond," she replied without looking back at him. "He was flying his kite near the trees by the pond."
"For someone who is so troublesome, you sure care about him."
Serena looked at him. "Of course I do. Sammy does not have anyone to look after him when he goes out. I tell him not to get into trouble and if he ever does he should come see me first."
"Which he does how often?" Darien inquired.
Serena gave him a quirky grin, "Almost always never, so mind as well do this for him."
Serena and Darien followed the pathway going into small woodland near the edge of the village, safe from outlanders. They stopped in front of the locked gate, just about where the trees grew denser. Serena took a turn and Darien followed, glancing back every so often. The enormous trees, which great branches sprung out from the tops and loomed over the two, casting shadows of cool air, blocked out most of the sunlight, making the atmosphere serene.
"The children can sure pick the creepiest places for a playground," Darien commented quietly.
"Scared, Your Highness?" His glare answered her question. "It's alright. The fence stretches further west before it turns a corner to barricade this part of the woods and the village. So far there has been no invasion of bandits. Quite frankly, I think they find living near the palace much more worthwhile, then an abode of a poor, peasant village."
Up ahead, the trees became thinner as they left the denser wood area. The bunched of trees seemed to gradually break as it opened up an area of wider space. The two opened their eyes to receive the sunlight as their trail went slightly steeper. They stopped when they reached the top of the hill. Darien shielded his eyes with one hand from the blinding light, casting his gaze below. The clear pond below was a sight to see. The uncontaminated water glistened as the lights danced on each small ripple created by the gentle breeze.
"Great day for a hike. Am I not right?" came Serena's cheerful voice beside him. She was scanning the area up ahead, also, with a hand over her eyes. After a moment she shouted "Ah-ha! Over and up the tree." Serena pointed a finger towards a big oak around the other side of the pond. Darien had to lean forward and tip his head to the right to get a clear view. A few knotted branches of the oak stretched out over the heart of the pond. Like claws the branches grasped a colorful kite. The ribbons, trailing to the end of the kite, flew in the breeze, a few feet above the surface of the water. A few meters left of the tree was a small dock. Tied to the dock was a one person row boat bobbing up and down.
Without warning, Serena ran down the hill, laughing cheerfully. The air rushed past her, sending her braid up and flapping behind her. Darien ran after her, the whole time shouting, "Serena, be careful! I don't want you getting hurt!" Serena was reaching the end, when suddenly she tripped on an embedded stone in the ground and fell when she still had about two more meters. She did a cartwheel and tumbled down with her chin tucked to her chest, rolling the rest of the way down. She landed on her bottom, coming to a complete stop on the lush grass with a spinning head. "Hehehe. I can see the world spinning," she said, before flopping heavily on the ground.
Darien halted quickly on the floor. He threw himself down on his knees beside her, shaking his head at her and muttering, "Seiya is right. You are a walking hazard."
Serena bolted up right and frowned. "I am not! I... Did that on purpose! I like rolling off hills for the thrill of it... It's easy to gain momentum with the force of gravity."
"Yeah right."
"Yes, I am very right," Serena said tightness clear in her voice.
Suddenly she jumped up and ran around the pond towards the dock, energy bursting from her bare feet. Darien watched her calmly as he kept his slow, unhurried pace. Serena reminded him of a child, who had the magic to spread her joy and exuberance to others, even he. By the time, he reached the dock, Serena had regained her breath. "It's about time."
"I like to take it easy and enjoy the weather occasionally," Darien's excuse was.
"Uh-huh. Well, while you were daydreaming your way here I was calculating the boat. It's obvious it can only carry one person, but by my calculations that person must be light."
"What are you proposing?"
"I'm proposing that I go because I'm lighter."
"And what is that suppose to mean. Am I fat?" Darien folded his arms in front of him.
Serena laughed as she hopped carelessly into the boat. "Wish me luck!" She yelled, untying the boat.
"Be careful. I'm sure you don't want to get wet in your clothes."
Serena pushed out from the dock. At a safe distance, she stuck her tongue out at him. Darien rolled his eyes and followed her boat along the bank.
Serena rowed out until she was under the branches of the oak tree. She took a deep breath before she stood up on her wobbly feet. The boat rocked gently, but it did not tip.
"See?! If it were you on this boat, you would have tipped it!" She hollered across the waters.
"Just be careful!" She heard his echo.
"What could possibly go wrong," she murmured to herself, spreading her feet.
She placed one toe on the edge of the boat and reached. The other foot was planted firmly on the other side of the boat to keep her balanced. She stretched as far as her body would allow her, but success was many inches away because of the cruel breeze that decided to pick up. If the wind had a voice it would be laughing right now, Serena thought. She waited a few more seconds for the wind to settle down. She tried again and this time her finger tips brushed one ribbon lightly. She thought to lean out more. Abruptly the breeze picked up, rocking the boat. Serena lost her balance and was tossed in the air. She splashed into the water
She brought her head up and out of the surface and tried to breath, but instead swallowed plenty of water. She tried to come up again flapping her arms wildly in the water as if she could just fly out of her situation if she could, but the water pushed her back in. She brought her head up a third time to shout out a gurgled, 'help,' that went unheard as the ripples dunked her. She was creating huge splashes, disturbing any fishes near her, taking in so much water, the weight of it all in her stomach made her feel heavy. All she could see was a splash on the shore and something coming fast towards her, sending a flower of water spraying off its sides. She breathed one more time, and gave up all together. Her body sank deeper and deeper into the water.
Darien was watching her, his brows furrowed.
"I knew it," he muttered to himself, "she isn't tall enough." He could see her trying to reach for the kite a second time.
"Careful..." he said to himself.
He spoke too soon, as the breeze picked up and tossed the girl into the pond. As she fell, Darien could hear her yelp. "I told her to be careful," he whispered shaking his head. Then looking out again, he noticed how she was splashing about. "Good grief!"
He tossed aside his cape and rolled up his sleeves. He jumped into the pond and swam as fast as he could to her. At the heart of the pond he dunks his head under, looking wildly around in the gloom. He saw her a few feet below him. He came back up for a quick gulp of air before he dived deeper. He felt for her and caught her wrist. With his might he pulled her up and over the surface first. He came out second with his arms still around her waist. "Stupid girl!" Darien was breathing hard. "You didn't tell me you couldn't swim!"
There was no retort from her. He had to swim back to shore. With one arm still around her waist he kept her face up as he swam quickly. He rolled her onto the bank. And with the last of his strength, he carried her over to the more grassy area a couple of feet ahead.
Darien collapsed arms still under her with him straddling her. She was so heavy, almost as if he had carried a lifeless body.
His face was beside her ear as he whispered, "Breathe, Serena." There was no response from her. He raised his head, still breathing heavily, to look at her closed eye lids. "Serena, Breathe!" Darien commanded angrily.
He pulled his arms from under her and leaned down to place an ear to her heart. He could not hear it beat because of the sound of his own blood rushing. "Damn it!" He slammed his fists on the ground on either side of her head as he clenched his eyes shut. He took the next few seconds to calm down. "Serena, I am not a healer like you. Don't do this to me," he whispered urgently. Closing his eyes, he rested his ear against her breast and waited. After a few seconds, he could hear her heart beating quietly.
Darien looked down at her face; waiting for something he knew would not come. His hand clenched into fists beside her cheeks. "Forgive me," he grunted. He brought his head down lower, so that his parted lips came in contact with hers.
Serena felt herself swimming in darkness for as long as she could remember. Her eyes opened and took into the gloomy darkness. The darkness frightened her and she immediately clenched her eyes shut again, at least she felt her eyes close. "It's time to wake up, My Little Moon Bunny," a gentle voice brushed past her. Serena opened her eyes and mouthed the word 'mother' soundlessly. A crystal appeared before her, spraying rays of rainbow lights into her eyes. "Breathe," the voice said.
Serena did as she was told. She opened her mouth and breathed in. As the air rushed past her throat, she felt the water in her stomach come back out immediately. She choked and coughed as her spirit flew back into her body.
Darien released her lips a forth time, allowing her to cough out the water she had drank from the pond. "Breathe," he said gently. She could feel his hand stroking her cheek ever so tenderly. She looked up at him, her vision functioning again. Still coughing, she rolled over onto her side, while Darien got up to recover his cape. He draped it over her shivering body. For several minutes he sat by her, waiting for her to breathe regularly again.
"Thank you," she said, still trying to hit the right pitch in her voice. "Do you have the kite?"
"Serena, you almost drowned?! And you are still asking about the kite?!
"Sammy will be so disappointed," was her answer.
He helped her up and together they soundlessly walked back to Gor's cabin.
-----------------------------------------------------
Darien was about to start on the road with his cat and horse when he realized he had left his cape behind. He turned his horse back around. Artemis protested loudly, saying, "The sun is setting and the moon is coming out. I don't think it's a good idea."
"It'll be quick," Darien assured him.
Darien trotted back to the Healer's lodge and leaped off his horse quickly. Artemis leapt off just as fast, ready to follow the prince.
"Watch the horse for me, will you, Artemis?" Darien asked before jogging into the cabin.
Artemis glanced around stupidly before he cast his eyes up to the head of the horse. Then he said, before Darien was out of hearing distance, "Yeah, I'll grab his reigns if he tries to get away." He rolled his eyes as the prince waved his hand to dismiss his mordant remark.
Darien walked up to the counter once inside. His cape was neatly folded on top, where he had left it. As he was walking over to it, he heard a pair of troubled voices in the next room behind the curtains. He leapt soundlessly over the counter to get a closer look and to be in the range of hearing. His feet barely made rustling noises as he moved like the shadows. He peaked through the curtain and watched Serena sitting with her cat on the mat.
"So, Luna what do you make of it?"
Luna, wagged her tail, once, twice, and thrice, and then stopped. "Maybe, your mother was really there."
"And the crystal?"
Luna smiled, "Haven't you heard of the Silver Imperium Crystal of Luneria."
"Of course I have. Mother and you used to tell me many stories about it," Serena sniffed indignantly.
"They are true, you know."
"Really?"
"Really," Luna said quietly.
"You haven't clarified anything, Luna. I am just as lost as ever. And you call yourself an advisor!"
"Hey, I don't have all the answers!" Luna retorted.
Serena sighed. "Of course. You're not Queen Serenity in the flesh," she joked.
"I am not in the mood for your jokes, Serena," Luna muttered.
"Oh! Is it because of Artemis tiring you out today? Hey, what did the two of you do today?" Serena asked curiosity evident in her voice.
Luna blushed. "That is none of your business."
"Lunaaaaa..." Serena whined. "I told you what happened to me today. I could have died and never found out. Now, what if I die tomorrow! You have to tell me!"
"Nonsense! I'll glue myself to you to make sure that won't happen again if I must."
Serena smiled broadly at her friend. "I wonder..."
"Now, what are you wondering about?"
"I wonder if the little rascal has as mean a mouth as you!" Serena nodded triumphantly at the cat's astonished look on her face.
Luna's jaw dropped and her eyes were bulging out. "Silly, Child! Cats can't talk."
Serena folded her arms over her chest and sat up straighter. "Artemis is no ordinary cat. He's special like you."
Luna looked away and laughed quietly. "Artemis can't talk. He's as ordinary as every other cat in the world."
"You're lying," Serena said her head an inch from Luna's.
Luna jumped at her suddenly close face. "Lying? Why would I be lying?"
Serena sat back up and looked at her with a pout. "It seems that I'm always left in the dark."
Luna stood on all four legs and stared at Serena for a moment.
"I'm worried, Luna," Serena confessed quietly.
"Worried? You are not alone. I am here for you always."
"I know," she sighed, "but I'm worried about Prince Darien. He stayed so late for me. I sent him out just as the sun is setting."
"He'll be fine," Luna assured. "He has Artemis with him."
Serena placed a hand to her heart, and feigned relief, "Oh, I am so relieved that an ordinary cat is protecting the only son of Terra. I feel so safe. I think I should sleep soundly tonight."
"You almost died today and you worry about the prince?!" Luna snapped back at her.
"That's behind us," Serena said with a light blush. "It's time to think ahead." Serena stood up and stretched. "I'm closing up early, so I can look down on the trail that the prince is taking. I'll be back later."
Luna yawned. "Thinking would be a first."
Serena glared at her cat.
"Serena, can you also fetch me something to eat while you're out. I'm going to take a nap. I'm not feeling as fit as I should be."
Serena stomped her foot and growled, "Alright," before she stomped towards the curtains. "I swear, Luna you're going to get fatter than you already are with all your eating and sleeping."
While they bickered, Darien slid away to get Artemis and his horse. They quickly galloped to the trail, Darien knowing that Serena would soon be close behind him.
Once on the trail Darien asked the cat something. "Artemis? Can Luna talk?"
"Talk?! What makes you think she can talk?!" Artemis shouted in wonder.
"Well, do you know if she can?"
"She can't!" Artemis argued his voice higher than ever.
"Alright, alright," Darien said calmly, petting Artemis on the head, "If that is what you say."
"Luna, talk. I'm the only cat..." Darien heard him mumble. Darien gave his cat a secret smile as he looked up ahead to the castle that grew bigger and bigger the closer he got to it. He wondered, 'why do people like keeping secrets, anyway?'
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MistyWing:
Hey! Thanks everyone for reviewing. Did you know I kind of stop writing because I don't get enough reviews? Well, just keep them coming, please! Maybe I can write faster that way.
And I think today is the day for me to answer some of you (I hope everyone skims them even if they are not addressed specifically to you because they are responses referring to the questions that I bet many of you have):
Lady of Enchantment: Thank you! I'll try to update when I have time.
hi: I like the way you think. And I don't mean to be mean, but sometimes it's going to feel like I am abandoning all my readers. It's hard for me to keep up because of all the work I have to do.
diana: Queen Serenity and Selene won't show up till the end. 0.o Didn't expect that now, did you?
Lady of the Forest: Thank you for adding me!
demonkitty2007: Everything will unfold as we go along.
serilia: Your encouragement is very boosting. :D :D :D
Butterfly Moon: No scouts in this story. Oh, but I promise they will be there in my next story. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
Taylor 9.0: No writer's block, Thank Kami! It's just hard to get things written on paper. I'm sorry about the delay.
crystalstarlight: Forgive me, I cannot give you any hints as to what will happen next. I just want to let you know that I hear you! You reread my story??? You really did? I bet you caught a lot of mistakes in grammar. Hehe. Thanks for being such a devoted reader!